Climate smart strategies for sustainable production of rapeseed-mustard in India

S S Rathore, Kapila Shekhawat, PD Meena and VK Singh

Abstract

The mean annual temperature of India has shown significant warming trend. In developing countries, climate change willcause yield declines for the most important crops. The effects of an increase in carbon dioxide would be higher on C3crops (such as mustard) than on C4 crops (such as maize). India is among the largest vegetable oil economies in theworld. Although there has been a significant increase in oilseed production since 1960s in India but, the demand foroilseeds production continuously growing. The productivity of all oilseeds in India is just 50–60% of the world average,which need to be enhanced. Indian mustard is sharing 24.3 % area and contributes about 24.7 % of total edible oilseedproduction of the country. Though states like Haryana and Gujarat has realized a yield level of 1869 and 1521 kg/harespectively, which is commendable. The reasons for this success are better input (soil, water, varieties, fertilizers, seed,plant protection etc) management and sound extension system of these states, which helps the farmers to reduce theclimate associated risk. The strategies for sustainable production of rapeseed - mustard in India need a paradigms shifton genetic enhancement, innovative agro techniques for enhanced mustard productivity especially land and seedbedpreparation, seed and sowing- seed priming, efficient cropping systems, water management, efficient nutrient management,integrated weed management, resource conservation technologies and contingency crop planning (CCP).